THE SHEPHERD AND THE LION

A SHEPHERD, counting his
Sheep one day, discovered that a
number of them were missing.

Much irritated, he very loudly
and boastfully declared that he
would catch the thief and punish
him as he deserved. The Shepherd suspected a Wolf of the deed
and so set out toward a rocky
region among the hills, where
there were caves infested by
Wolves. But before starting out
he made a vow to Jupiter that if
he would help him find the thief
he would offer a fat Calf as a
sacrifice.

The Shepherd searched a long
time without finding any Wolves,
but just as he was passing near a
large cave on the mountain side, a
huge Lion stalked out, carrying a
Sheep. In great terror the Shepherd fell on his knees.

"Alas, O Jupiter, man does
not know what he asks! To find
the thief I offered to sacrifice a
fat Calf. Now I promise you a
full-grown Bull, if you but make
the thief go away!"

We are often not so eager for what we seek,
after we have found it.

Do not foolishly
ask for things that would bring ruin
if they were granted.

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